This month approximately 700 new optometry students will embark on the first year of their studies, and by default each and every one of them will become a Student Associate Member of the College of Optometrists. Marketing Manager, Richard Gott, introduces the new student benefits package launched this month, and explains why the College is promoting itself directly to the undergraduate optometry student population from Day One at university -
Richard commented, ‘The 2,500 students of today will be our future practicing Members of tomorrow and historically these individuals have only become fully aware of the College (and its services) in the lead up to the Pre-Registration Period (PRP) – The College has recognised that this was far too late and a awareness campaign and student benefits overhaul has been formulated’.
College Student Associate Members will now be able access the following new/improved benefits:
New Annual Student Newsletter, Foresight – For the first time in it’s 25-year history, the College has compiled a newsletter specifically for undergraduate optometry students. The newsletter will initially be compiled on an annual basis and will be used to communicate information on the Scheme for Registration, introduce the various career pathways, and offer practical help and advice on CV writing and interview technique. The 05/06 Issue will also feature an interview with Peter Coe on the new GOC Student Registration process and a student competition with prizes worth over £350 (sponsored by Elsevier Science Ltd and Vitabiotics Ltd). The newsletters will be distributed to all undergraduate offices and at the Fresher and Pre-Registration Roadshows.
Use of the biggest optometric library in the UK & Student Book Offer – The College is aware that money can be extremely tight whilst studying and that is one of the reasons why Student Associate Members have had free access to the College Library for a number of years. The College is now pleased to announce a great new book offer in association with Elsevier Science Ltd, which will enable students to buy titles online and receive a 15% discount (plus free postage and packing). The offer is also available to Pre-Registration trainees.
Substantial discounts on two major optometric journals - The College recognises that it is essential for students to have access to current research and that university project work not only demands book research, but also the use of optometric journals. Annual subscriptions to these journals can be costly, and it can be an inconvenience having to use the ‘reference-only’ copies available in university libraries. The College has negotiated a 70% discount on an annual subscription to Optician and a 20% discount on an annual subscription to Contact Lens and Anterior Eye journal.
Interactive Events – Two interactive roadshow programmes have been organised for 2005/2006. Fresher Roadshows will take place at all eight universities in September/October. The roadshows will be led by senior College Council Members and will introduce new 1st year optometry students to the organisation, and communicate the benefits of being a Student Associate Member. Fresher Packs (worth approximately £10) will be distributed to every 1st year student in attendance and a complementary buffet, and an informal question and answer session will take place after the presentation.
Pre-Registration Roadshows will also take place at all eight universities later in the academic year. The roadshows will be presented by the College Examinations Team and will provide practical advice on how best to prepare for the Pre-Registration Period (PRP). Each roadshow will also include a short presentation from an individual who has successfully completed the PRP. Short question and answer sessions will also follow.
Student Area on the New College Website – The College launched its new website earlier this month, which includes a dedicated Student Area. Not only can students find out more information on the benefits outlined in this article, but can access information updates on the Scheme for Registration; access PRP Talk (an online discussion forum that enables students to discuss any queries regarding their exams, studies or PRP with their peers, College Examiners and experts in the field) and view information on student funding.
To access the Student Area on the College website please go to www.college-optometrists.org/students
Discounted Conference Tickets – Thanks to Commercial sponsorship; the College can offer a limited number of free passes to Student Associate Members. In 2006 a limited number passes will be allocated to students studying in the South West, as the Conference will take place in Bristol.
David Cartwright, College President, commented ‘The College is now in a position where it can offer extra help and support to undergraduate optometry students, and the new benefits package is a great step forward. The book offer alone can save students more than £100 year and that cant be a bad thing’.
The College welcomes feedback on the new Student Associate Member benefits and if anyone would like to suggest further benefits please do not hesitate to contact Richard Gott on 020 7766 4343 or email rich.gott@college-optometry.org